Remembering The 'Ten Year War' - 1969 Edition

The beginning of the Ten Year War.  This is the game that not only changed the rivalry, but also changed Michigan football forever.  This was certainly not the most hyped game in the Ten Year War or the closest, but it was probably the most important because of what it created and changed.  Without this game, there might have never been a Ten Year War, Michigan football's dominance in the decades following, or the great legacy of Bo Schembechler.


Background:
To say Michigan had been struggling before the 1969 season would really be an understatement, especially if one is looking at the team's performance against Ohio State.  Over the last nine games against OSU, Michigan had won just twice.  The Wolverines had also only beaten Buckeye teams coached by Woody Hayes a total of six times in eighteen seasons.  That gave Hayes a 67% winning percentage against Michigan.  Very impressive for such a long tenure.  The rivalry  in the preceding years had been fun for Buckeye fans, but had been horrible for Michigan fans.